And this sums it up (updated) 
As I'm sure some of you know, I've been pursuing a master's degree in instructional technology. Well I finished this past May and I got my degree in the mail today. Well...Let's just say that I'm amused by what was in the package. That's right--package. Audra actually had to sign for this thing.
Let's take a trip down memory lane. I graduated from Etown College in 2002. This is a picture of my degree from Etown. It's a standard 11x8 piece of paper with a little embossing and the college's seal. It also has some snooty writing about how the trustees, upon recommendation of the faculty, grant the degree of blah blah blah. It's classy, though.
Well then there's this monstronsity that I got today. It measures in at 17x21. I had to include the dollar in the picture to illustrate scale. It is gargantuan. I would expect a certificate this large to be given to a Nobel Prize winner, or the guy that cured cancer. Honestly, I didn't even put forth that much effort in the program.
Aside from that, it's just cheap looking. I don't know if the printer was running out of toner, but the lines aren't as crisp as I imagine they should've been. Also, the university was apparently founded in 1884, and they spoke Latin in Philadelphia.
Now for the best part of this story. There was a letter enclosed with the degree. I think it totally sums up my experiences with Philadelphia University.
And now, for your viewing pleasure...
UPDATE:
I just got off the phone with the university. It turns out that the letter is only a translation of the Latin on the diploma. Once again, I have to mention that I'm reasonable sure that nobody spoke Latin in Philadelphia. Also, I'm pretty sure that nobody spoke Latin world wide as recently at 1884 when the university was supposedly founded. That being said, I love the bastardized Latinization of the words Pennsylvania and Philadelphia.
You should also make a note that I am to be addressed as Magistratus Scientiae from this point forth.
